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Should I Get Laser or Injectables Before the Holidays? A Decision Guide

Dec 03, 2025
by AYA Medical Spa
Home
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Blogs
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Treatments & Procedures

Should I Get Laser or Injectables Before the Holidays? A Decision Guide

Dec 03, 2025
by AYA Medical Spa
Comparison of aesthetic laser treatments and injectables for holiday preparation
Every holiday season, clients ask us the same question:“Should I do lasers or injectables before my holiday events?”The answer depends on your timeline, your goals, and what type of improvements you’re looking for. Both categories can make a meaningful difference—but they work differently, and the right choice depends on where you are in the calendar.This guide breaks down what each treatment does, how long results take, and what will give you the best outcome before parties, photos, dinners, and travel.

Start With Your Goal: What Are You Hoping to Improve?

Before jumping into options, clarify what you're trying to address.

If you want your skin to look brighter, smoother, or more even:

Lasers (like Moxi or BBL) are typically the right choice.

If you want softer lines, a more lifted look, or more definition:

Injectables—neurotoxins or fillers—will help most.

If you want deep hydration and subtle radiant plumpness:

Skinvive bridges the gap between skincare and injectables.

If you want an all-in glow with no downtime:

DiamondGlow Facials and dermaplaning can be layered on top of either category.Now let’s break down each option.

What Lasers Do—and When You Should Do Them

Laser and light treatments target skin quality:
  • Pigmentation (brown spots, sun damage)
  • Redness or rosacea
  • Overall dullness
  • Uneven texture
  • Fine lines
The most common holiday-season lasers are Moxi and BBL.

Moxi

A gentle, fractional, resurfacing laser that improves texture, tone, and brightness.Timeline considerations:
  • Mild peppering/bronzing for 2–3 days
  • Clear improvement by day 7
  • Best results in 2–3 weeks
Ideal if:You want meaningful improvement and have at least 10–14 days before your event.

BBL

BBL uses light to treat brown spots and redness.Timeline considerations:
  • Brown spots temporarily darken
  • Redness may appear the first 24 hours
  • Visible improvement in 7–14 days
Ideal if:You want clarity and even tone and can tolerate a few days of temporary darkening.

What Injectables Do—and When to Do Them

Injectables change shape, structure, or expression patterns—rather than surface texture.

Botox / Dysport (Neurotoxins)
Used for smoothing forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.Timeline considerations:
  • Onset: 3–5 days
  • Peak: 10–14 days
  • No major downtime
Ideal if:You’re 2–3 weeks out and want a polished, smooth look in photos.

Filler (Cheeks, Chin, Under-Eye, Jawline, Lips)
Used to restore volume, support structure, or contour.Timeline considerations:
  • Mild swelling day 1–3
  • Softening: 2–4 weeks
  • Results last 6–18 months depending on area
Ideal if:You’re at least 3–4 weeks out from your event.If you’re new to filler, stick closer to 4–6 weeks so any swelling has time to settle.

Skinvive

Microdroplet hyaluronic acid for hydration and radiance—not volume.Timeline considerations:
  • Glow begins around day 7
  • Peak at 3–4 weeks
  • Minimal downtime
Ideal if:You want subtle luminosity without changing your facial shape.

What You Can Safely Do Depending on Your Timeline

If you’re 4–6 weeks away:

You have full flexibility.
  • Lasers (Moxi or BBL)
  • Botox or Dysport
  • Filler
  • Skinvive
  • DiamondGlow Facials
  • Chemical peels
This window allows for settling, collagen stimulation, and any touch-ups.

If you’re 2–3 weeks away:

Stick to faster-settling treatments.
  • Botox / Dysport
  • Skinvive
  • Light BBL or low-energy Moxi
  • Gentle chemical peels
  • DiamondGlow Facials
Skip: Full-strength lasers, new filler treatments if you’re concerned about swelling.

If you’re 7–10 days away:

Go for glow, not transformation.
  • DiamondGlow Facials
  • Dermaplaning
  • LED therapy
  • Skinvive (if >7 days)
  • Soft, no-downtime peels
Skip: Medium or deep peels, stronger lasers.

If you’re 1–3 days away:

Keep it extremely gentle.
  • DiamondGlow Facials
  • Red LED light
  • Dermaplaning
  • Enzyme masks
  • Brow grooming
Skip: Anything that could cause redness, flaking, swelling, or bruising.

Should You Combine Lasers and Injectables Before the Holidays?

Combination therapy can deliver the strongest results—as long as timing is appropriate.Best pairings:
  • Moxi + BBL (clarity + texture)
  • Botox + Skinvive (smooth + radiant)
  • DiamondGlow Facials + Dermaplaning (immediate glow)
  • Light BBL + Botox (clarity + line smoothing)
Rule of thumb:Do injectables after any laser appointment, never right before.This reduces risk of swelling or interference.

What Not to Get Too Close to Your Event

To avoid surprises, skip the following within two weeks of an event:
  • Medium/deep peels
  • High-strength Moxi or resurfacing
  • New-to-you filler treatments
  • Any treatment with anticipated peeling or bronzing
  • New skincare actives (retinoids, strong acids)

Laser vs. Injectables: How to Decide Quickly

Choose Lasers if you want to improve:

  • Brown spots
  • Redness
  • Dullness
  • Texture
  • Fine lines
  • Overall skin quality

Choose Injectables if you want to improve:

  • Lines and wrinkles
  • Shape and contour
  • Volume loss
  • Hydration/luminosity
  • Tired appearance under the eyes

Choose Both if you want:

  • A true “wow” improvement with both skin and structure addressed—just make sure you have the timeline.

Still Unsure? A Provider Can Customize Your Holiday Plan

The best results come from choosing the right treatment at the right time—not just a trending option. A provider will evaluate your skin, your goals, your holiday calendar, and your comfort level to build a plan that fits your timeline perfectly.Book a free consultation with an AYA Aesthetic Practitioner to get a customized holiday treatment strategy and reserve your spot during the busiest season of the year.
Comparison of aesthetic laser treatments and injectables for holiday preparation
Every holiday season, clients ask us the same question:“Should I do lasers or injectables before my holiday events?”The answer depends on your timeline, your goals, and what type of improvements you’re looking for. Both categories can make a meaningful difference—but they work differently, and the right choice depends on where you are in the calendar.This guide breaks down what each treatment does, how long results take, and what will give you the best outcome before parties, photos, dinners, and travel.

Start With Your Goal: What Are You Hoping to Improve?

Before jumping into options, clarify what you're trying to address.

If you want your skin to look brighter, smoother, or more even:

Lasers (like Moxi or BBL) are typically the right choice.

If you want softer lines, a more lifted look, or more definition:

Injectables—neurotoxins or fillers—will help most.

If you want deep hydration and subtle radiant plumpness:

Skinvive bridges the gap between skincare and injectables.

If you want an all-in glow with no downtime:

DiamondGlow Facials and dermaplaning can be layered on top of either category.Now let’s break down each option.

What Lasers Do—and When You Should Do Them

Laser and light treatments target skin quality:
  • Pigmentation (brown spots, sun damage)
  • Redness or rosacea
  • Overall dullness
  • Uneven texture
  • Fine lines
The most common holiday-season lasers are Moxi and BBL.

Moxi

A gentle, fractional, resurfacing laser that improves texture, tone, and brightness.Timeline considerations:
  • Mild peppering/bronzing for 2–3 days
  • Clear improvement by day 7
  • Best results in 2–3 weeks
Ideal if:You want meaningful improvement and have at least 10–14 days before your event.

BBL

BBL uses light to treat brown spots and redness.Timeline considerations:
  • Brown spots temporarily darken
  • Redness may appear the first 24 hours
  • Visible improvement in 7–14 days
Ideal if:You want clarity and even tone and can tolerate a few days of temporary darkening.

What Injectables Do—and When to Do Them

Injectables change shape, structure, or expression patterns—rather than surface texture.

Botox / Dysport (Neurotoxins)
Used for smoothing forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.Timeline considerations:
  • Onset: 3–5 days
  • Peak: 10–14 days
  • No major downtime
Ideal if:You’re 2–3 weeks out and want a polished, smooth look in photos.

Filler (Cheeks, Chin, Under-Eye, Jawline, Lips)
Used to restore volume, support structure, or contour.Timeline considerations:
  • Mild swelling day 1–3
  • Softening: 2–4 weeks
  • Results last 6–18 months depending on area
Ideal if:You’re at least 3–4 weeks out from your event.If you’re new to filler, stick closer to 4–6 weeks so any swelling has time to settle.

Skinvive

Microdroplet hyaluronic acid for hydration and radiance—not volume.Timeline considerations:
  • Glow begins around day 7
  • Peak at 3–4 weeks
  • Minimal downtime
Ideal if:You want subtle luminosity without changing your facial shape.

What You Can Safely Do Depending on Your Timeline

If you’re 4–6 weeks away:

You have full flexibility.
  • Lasers (Moxi or BBL)
  • Botox or Dysport
  • Filler
  • Skinvive
  • DiamondGlow Facials
  • Chemical peels
This window allows for settling, collagen stimulation, and any touch-ups.

If you’re 2–3 weeks away:

Stick to faster-settling treatments.
  • Botox / Dysport
  • Skinvive
  • Light BBL or low-energy Moxi
  • Gentle chemical peels
  • DiamondGlow Facials
Skip: Full-strength lasers, new filler treatments if you’re concerned about swelling.

If you’re 7–10 days away:

Go for glow, not transformation.
  • DiamondGlow Facials
  • Dermaplaning
  • LED therapy
  • Skinvive (if >7 days)
  • Soft, no-downtime peels
Skip: Medium or deep peels, stronger lasers.

If you’re 1–3 days away:

Keep it extremely gentle.
  • DiamondGlow Facials
  • Red LED light
  • Dermaplaning
  • Enzyme masks
  • Brow grooming
Skip: Anything that could cause redness, flaking, swelling, or bruising.

Should You Combine Lasers and Injectables Before the Holidays?

Combination therapy can deliver the strongest results—as long as timing is appropriate.Best pairings:
  • Moxi + BBL (clarity + texture)
  • Botox + Skinvive (smooth + radiant)
  • DiamondGlow Facials + Dermaplaning (immediate glow)
  • Light BBL + Botox (clarity + line smoothing)
Rule of thumb:Do injectables after any laser appointment, never right before.This reduces risk of swelling or interference.

What Not to Get Too Close to Your Event

To avoid surprises, skip the following within two weeks of an event:
  • Medium/deep peels
  • High-strength Moxi or resurfacing
  • New-to-you filler treatments
  • Any treatment with anticipated peeling or bronzing
  • New skincare actives (retinoids, strong acids)

Laser vs. Injectables: How to Decide Quickly

Choose Lasers if you want to improve:

  • Brown spots
  • Redness
  • Dullness
  • Texture
  • Fine lines
  • Overall skin quality

Choose Injectables if you want to improve:

  • Lines and wrinkles
  • Shape and contour
  • Volume loss
  • Hydration/luminosity
  • Tired appearance under the eyes

Choose Both if you want:

  • A true “wow” improvement with both skin and structure addressed—just make sure you have the timeline.

Still Unsure? A Provider Can Customize Your Holiday Plan

The best results come from choosing the right treatment at the right time—not just a trending option. A provider will evaluate your skin, your goals, your holiday calendar, and your comfort level to build a plan that fits your timeline perfectly.Book a free consultation with an AYA Aesthetic Practitioner to get a customized holiday treatment strategy and reserve your spot during the busiest season of the year.
Disclaimer:
The AYA Med Spa blog is published by AYA Medical Spa, a premier medical aesthetics provider with locations across Atlanta and Dallas. AYA offers physician-supervised, results-driven treatments in a modern, welcoming setting, supporting clients through every stage of their skin health journey.Any general advice or content shared on our blog, website, or social channels is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AYA Medical Spa and its affiliated providers make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim all liability related to any treatment, action, or outcome based on the information provided. For personalized care or medical concerns, please consult with a licensed healthcare or aesthetic provider.
Disclaimer:
The AYA Med Spa blog is published by AYA Medical Spa, a premier medical aesthetics provider with locations across Atlanta and Dallas. AYA offers physician-supervised, results-driven treatments in a modern, welcoming setting, supporting clients through every stage of their skin health journey.Any general advice or content shared on our blog, website, or social channels is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AYA Medical Spa and its affiliated providers make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim all liability related to any treatment, action, or outcome based on the information provided. For personalized care or medical concerns, please consult with a licensed healthcare or aesthetic provider.